Lona is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from the region now known as Poland and Lithuania. It is derived from the Slavic element "luna," which means "moon." Therefore, Lona can be translated to mean "little moon" or "moonlight."
The name Lona has been used for centuries in Slavic cultures but gained popularity outside of Eastern Europe during the 20th century. It is often associated with the Polish and Lithuanian traditions but has since become more widely recognized as a global name.
One notable figure associated with the name Lona is the French actress Lona Anderson, born Marie-Louise Neymar in 1897. Despite her non-Slavic background, she adopted the stage name Lona Anderson and became famous for her roles in silent films during the 1920s.
In literature, the name Lona appears in several works, such as the novel "Lona" by Polish writer Maria Dabrowska, published in 1934. The protagonist of this story is a young woman named Lona who struggles with her identity and place in society during the early 20th century.
Overall, while Lona may not be as well-known as some other names, it has a rich history and meaningful origin that sets it apart. Its association with the moon adds an intriguing and poetic element to this name.
The name Lona appears to have had varying popularity over time, with a notable peak in the early 20th century. Between 1907 and 1924, there were consistently high numbers of babies named Lona each year, with a total of 1366 births recorded during this period. However, from the late 1920s onwards, the popularity of the name began to decline sharply. By the mid-1970s, fewer than 50 babies were being named Lona annually, and in recent years, the number has averaged around 15 births per year. Overall, since record-keeping began, there have been a total of 10882 babies named Lona.